Category: Gaming

  • Poncle Launches Indie Deckbuilder Kill The Brickman at Gamescom

    Poncle Launches Indie Deckbuilder Kill The Brickman at Gamescom

    Key Takeaways

    1. Game Launch Announcement: Poncle announced and launched “Kill the Brickman” at Gamescom 2025, following its showcase at the Xbox Game Showcase on August 21, 2025.

    2. Platforms Available: The game is currently available on PC through Steam, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X, with no confirmed plans for PS5 or Nintendo Switch versions yet.

    3. Gameplay Features: “Kill the Brickman” is a turn-based rogue-like deckbuilder that combines retro arcade brick-breaking gameplay with deckbuilding elements, allowing players to customize weapons and choose missions.

    4. Development Background: The game originated from a game jam prototype and was developed in partnership with Poncle after the demo caught the interest of studio director Luca Galante.

    5. Pricing and Promotions: “Kill the Brickman” is priced at $4.99, currently available for $4.49 with a 10% discount until August 28, 2025.

    In a surprise announcement at Gamescom 2025, Poncle, the creators of the highly praised indie game Vampire Survivors, revealed and launched their latest project, Kill the Brickman. This new title comes from the indie group Dooutsaur.

    Game Launch Details

    Kill the Brickman was first showcased at the Xbox Game Showcase on August 21, 2025, and it is currently accessible on PC through Steam, Xbox One, and Xbox Series S|X. There are no confirmed plans for a PS5 or Nintendo Switch version just yet, but it’s possible there will be in the future.

    This stealthy launch mirrors Poncle’s earlier release, Berserk or Die, making Kill the Brickman their second published game. The game is characterized as a “turn-based rogue-like deckbuilder from outer space.” It combines classic retro arcade brick-breaking gameplay with roguelike features and a touch of deckbuilding.

    Gameplay Features

    Players can personalize their weapon setups and utilize bullets that explode, multiply, or corrode. There’s also the option to select a sidearm, which could be a revolver, pistol, or shotgun, and players can pick missions from a random quest list available on an intergalactic bounty board.

    Players will face off against standard brickmen, as well as tougher resistant and elite versions, alongside unique, hand-crafted boss challenges.

    The partnership between Dooutsaur and Poncle was initiated when Dooutsaur sent a demo via email, capturing the interest of studio director Luca Galante, who quickly became fascinated. He remarked in a press statement:

    “Yeah, it’s true. I love bricks. Kill the Brickman isn’t just an awesome deckbuilder, it’s one of the oddest ones I’ve ever experienced. And that’s definitely a positive!”

    Developer Insights

    Doonutsaur’s Alvin also shared his thoughts on the game:

    “I aimed to highlight the quirky style of this game so it could be different from the other fantastic deckbuilding games out there. Poncle not only matched my level of oddness, they helped me elevate the absurdity of Kill the Brickman even further!”

    Initially, the game started as a prototype during a game jam, evolving from a creepy concept featuring sentient brick foes into a fully developed title in partnership with Poncle.

    Kill the Brickman has been launched for $4.99, currently available with a 10% discount, lowering the price to $4.49 until August 28, 2025.

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  • XU35 H40: Affordable Anbernic RG406H Alternative with Pricing Details

    XU35 H40: Affordable Anbernic RG406H Alternative with Pricing Details

    Key Takeaways

    1. XU Retro has launched the XU20 V32 as an alternative to the TrimUI Brick, priced at $69.99 on Amazon.
    2. The upcoming XU35 H40 features a 4-inch, 960 x 720 resolution touchscreen and a unique d-pad layout, priced around $90.
    3. The XU35 H40 uses a MediaTek Helio G85 processor, with 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage, potentially affecting performance in CPU-heavy tasks.
    4. The design of the XU35 H40 is similar to the RG406H from Anbernic, with joysticks positioned at the bottom edge.
    5. The XU35 H40 is set to launch in December 2025, following the XU35 H50 by two months.

    XU Retro has just introduced the XU20 V32 as an alternative to the TrimUI Brick, currently priced at $69.99 on Amazon. However, the company has also shared information about a larger gaming handheld that is on its way. This new device, the XU35 H40, should not be confused with the upcoming XU35 H50. The XU35 H40 is similar in size to the RG406H from Anbernic, featuring a 4-inch display and a horizontal design.

    Display and Controls

    The XU35 H40 boasts a 960 x 720 resolution with a 4:3 touchscreen, similar to the RG406H. It also includes Hall effect controls that align it with Anbernic’s gaming handheld offerings. Interestingly, XU Retro has opted for a unique d-pad layout, placing the joysticks at the bottom edge of the device. As indicated in the image below, the pricing for the XU35 H40 is expected to be around $90, which is considerably lower than the RG406H.

    Specifications and Performance

    To keep the cost down, XU Retro has chosen the MediaTek Helio G85 processor, backed by 4 GB of RAM and 64 GB of internal storage. However, based on our tests, this choice may put the XU35 H40 at a noticeable disadvantage for CPU-intensive applications. On the other hand, the difference in GPU performance between these two devices is less pronounced. Currently, XU Retro aims to launch the XU35 H40 in December 2025, which will follow the release of the larger XU35 H50 by two months.

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    XU35 H40: Affordable Anbernic RG406H Alternative with Pricing Details

     

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  • Abxylute Launches Magnetic Snap-On Game Controller for Phones

    Abxylute Launches Magnetic Snap-On Game Controller for Phones

    Key Takeaways

    1. Abxylute has created a snap-on magnetic game controller for smartphones that can swivel and slide open for easy use.
    2. The controller features a typical set of controls, including a direction pad, buttons, rear triggers, and dual analog sticks, designed mainly for retro gaming.
    3. It attaches to phones using a magnetic connection system similar to Apple’s MagSafe and will have adapters for phones without this feature.
    4. The controller connects via Bluetooth and has a USB-C port for charging its internal battery.
    5. Pricing is not yet available, but Abxylute aims for a reasonable price at its launch in mid-October 2025.

    Abxylute has shared a prototype of its new snap-on magnetic game controller for smartphones on its Discord channel. This innovative game controller can swivel and slide open for easy use, allowing it to stay hidden behind the phone when not in action.

    Controller Features

    The Abxylute snap-on device features a typical set of controls, which includes a direction pad, xyab/start/stop buttons, rear triggers, and dual analog sticks. Although the setup is designed with retro gaming in mind, the company is open to exploring different layouts if there is enough interest from consumers.

    Mounting and Connectivity

    This device attaches to phones using a magnetic accessory connection system, similar to Apple’s MagSafe. Plans are also in place to develop adapters for phones that do not have this feature. It connects to smartphones via Bluetooth and can function as a wireless controller, while a USB-C port on the bottom is used for charging its internal battery.

    Pricing and Availability

    While there is no specific price yet, Abxylute has indicated that it aims to make the controller reasonably priced when it launches in mid-October 2025.

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  • Asetek Initium: Affordable New Sim Racing Gear with Great Features

    Asetek Initium: Affordable New Sim Racing Gear with Great Features

    Key Takeaways

    1. Asetek has launched the Initium sim racing gear line aimed at beginners, with a bundle starting at $599.
    2. The Initium wheelbase features direct-drive technology, providing a peak torque of 5.5 nm and an upgrade option to 8 nm.
    3. The Initium steering wheel has a 300 mm design with 21 inputs, including dual magnetic paddles and a rev indicator.
    4. The pedal set is made from fiberglass reinforced composite materials and includes hall sensors, but requires testing for true performance.
    5. The versatile 2-in-1 cockpit design accommodates both GT and Formula racing styles, ideally suited for a dedicated sim rig setup.

    Sim racing has become an exciting and rapidly growing area in the gaming world. Companies like Simagic, Moza, and Fanatec have established themselves as prominent players. Now, Asetek is stepping into the entry-level market with their new sim racing gear line called Initium.

    New Gear for Beginners

    Designed mainly for newcomers to sim racing, the Initium lineup includes a wheelbase, steering wheel, pedal set, and a cockpit. They offer a bundle starting at just $599, which includes the wheelbase, wheel, and pedals. For an additional $450, customers can add the Initium racing cockpit. Interestingly, the Moza Racing R5 bundle, which features a 5.5 nm wheelbase and a smaller 280 mm wheel, is approximately $160 less expensive.

    Impressive Specifications

    The Initium wheelbase uses direct-drive technology, providing a peak torque of 5.5 nm—a solid figure for beginners. When compared to more affordable belt-driven bases, direct drive setups deliver smoother and quieter performance. For those looking to boost their power later, a kit is available to enhance output to 8 nm, nearing the specifications of a real GT3 car.

    Comfort and Inputs

    On the other hand, the Initium steering wheel comes with a 300 mm plastic design, featuring perforated grips for extended comfort during use. It offers 21 inputs, including dual magnetic paddles, along with a rev indicator. While the actual feel and quality of the product can only be verified through independent tests, the specifications appear impressive on paper.

    Completing the Setup

    The Initium pedal set finalizes the sim racing setup. Constructed from fiberglass reinforced composite materials, the pedal set includes hall sensors, which is common for products in this price range. However, as with other components, the true performance and feel of the pedals, particularly the brake pedal, need to be validated through extensive testing.

    Versatile Cockpit Design

    The Initium range also features a 2-in-1 cockpit, said to be made with ultra-rigid steel construction. Although the 5 nm wheelbase can be attached to standard desks, it’s generally better to mount the equipment on a dedicated sim rig, especially if users plan to upgrade their Initium wheelbase to 8 nm. This versatile cockpit is designed to accommodate both GT and Formula racing styles.

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  • Gamescom 2025: Day-One Xbox Game Pass Launch This September

    Gamescom 2025: Day-One Xbox Game Pass Launch This September

    Key Takeaways

    1. New Gameplay Style: Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors shifts from co-op gameplay to a solo, top-down survival format with automatic shooting mechanics.

    2. Roguelite Format: The game follows a roguelite structure, where players restart upon death but retain unlocked gear, enhancing replayability.

    3. Class Selection: Players can choose from four distinct classes: Gunner, Engineer, Driller, or Scout, each offering unique gameplay experiences.

    4. Positive Reception: The game received a score of 8 out of 10 from IGN, praised for its humor and engaging gameplay, despite criticism of short missions and limited Early Access content.

    5. Official Launch and Availability: Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors will exit Early Access on September 17, 2025, and will be available on Xbox Game Pass, with the Early Access priced around $13 on Steam.

    Deep Rock Galactic is seen as one of the top co-op shooters around. It takes place in the dangerous caves of planet Hoxxes IV, where dwarves extract resources, combat alien hordes, and navigate through missions that are randomly generated. On February 14, 2025, fans were excited to see the release of Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors – a fresh installment in the same universe, but it offers a totally new gameplay style, released in Early Access.

    New Gameplay Experience

    Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors transforms the dwarven quest into a top-down survival game, where you journey through the caves solo. The weapons shoot automatically, allowing you to keep moving while you defend against enemy waves, gather precious minerals, and pick up beneficial upgrades. Each attempt follows the roguelite format – if you die, you restart, but any gear you’ve unlocked carries over. Players can select from four classes: Gunner, Engineer, Driller, or Scout. Unlike its cooperative predecessor, Survivors is solely a single-player experience with no multiplayer or co-op options.

    Positive Reviews

    IGN reviewed Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors and commended its effective shift to a single-player style, noting how well it retains the original’s signature humor, sound design, and overall feel. The game was praised for its captivating gameplay loop and quick progression. However, IGN pointed out some negatives like the short missions – which are often just a couple of minutes – and the limited content in Early Access. Despite these issues, the game received a solid score of 8 out of 10. On Steam, it has close to 38,000 reviews, with 86% giving it a positive rating.

    Upcoming Launch

    Gamescom 2025 is happening in Cologne from August 20 to 24. During this event, fans got to see a new trailer for Deep Rock Galactic: Survivors, along with thrilling news: starting September 17, when the game exits Early Access and officially launches, it will be available on Xbox Game Pass. The Early Access version is currently priced around $13 on Steam. It’s also important to mention that Survivors is fully verified for the Steam Deck (which is available on Amazon for about $475).

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  • Black Ops 7 Campaign: No Difficulty Level Selection Available

    Black Ops 7 Campaign: No Difficulty Level Selection Available

    Key Takeaways

    1. Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 will not offer selectable difficulty levels for the campaign, designed for solo or co-op play with a fixed difficulty.
    2. The game supports co-op campaigns for up to four players, ensuring enjoyable experiences for both solo gamers and groups.
    3. The last mission of the game will be a replayable experience, featuring challenges for up to 32 players in a PvE scenario, with possible PvP elements.
    4. The game is set to release on November 14, facing competition from Battlefield 6, which launches on October 10.
    5. The developers aim to create a balanced challenge for varying player skill levels, moving away from the traditional difficulty settings seen in previous titles.

    After the unexpected announcement of Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 during the Xbox Showcase in June, more details and gameplay footage have been unveiled at Gamescom. The developers have revealed several changes, including the option to select a difficulty level for the campaign, which can be played solo or in co-op mode.

    Insights from Treyarch

    In a chat with IGN, Miles Leslie, the associate creative director at Treyarch, stated that the difficulty is fixed and cannot be changed by players. “We’ve designed it for solo play or squads of up to four players. You can’t choose a difficulty like in previous titles. We’ve integrated it because co-op campaigns require a different approach, and we wanted to ensure that missions are enjoyable for solo gamers — we haven’t forgotten about you, we love you — while also making it fun and appropriately challenging for two, three, or four players,” Leslie shared.

    Changes to Difficulty Levels

    Historically, Call of Duty games have featured difficulty options like Recruit, Regular, Hardened, and Veteran. Many gamers enjoy pushing their limits by tackling the campaign on the hardest setting. Some prefer to play through on Regular or Hardened before attempting Veteran on their next playthrough. However, this will not be feasible in Call of Duty: Black Ops 7.

    Final Mission and Release Date

    Additionally, it was disclosed that the last mission of Black Ops 7 will be a “replayable experience where you and your team must withstand overwhelming challenges, adapt to pressure, and redefine what you believed a Black Ops campaign could entail.” This mission will support up to 32 players in a server for a PvE scenario, with potential PvP elements included.

    Call of Duty: Black Ops 7 is set to launch on November 14, facing Battlefield 6, which is scheduled for release on October 10. With the open beta for the EA title being quite successful, Activision’s game will encounter stiff competition.

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  • Doom Game on Anker Prime Charger: Fun Yet Pointless Experiment

    Doom Game on Anker Prime Charger: Fun Yet Pointless Experiment

    Key Takeaways

    1. Doom can run on nearly any device with a computer chip, showcasing its adaptability since its 1993 launch.
    2. A modder named Aaron Christophel successfully got Doom running on an Anker Prime GaN fast-charger.
    3. The Anker Prime charger features a robust ARM SoC and operates at a higher speed than the Intel i486.
    4. The charger has a rotary dial that can function as a controller for playing Doom.
    5. The Anker Prime charger offers 250 watts peak output, six output ports, and is available for purchase on Amazon for $139.

    Doom is running on just about anything with a computer chip, which isn’t surprising at all. When it first launched back in 1993, it was able to run on processors like the Intel i486, which was designed by Pat Gelsinger and had a speed of around 50 MHz. Today’s technology is much more advanced, letting the game operate on nearly any device in the 21st century.

    A Unique Gaming Experience

    Recently, a modder named Aaron Christophel managed to get Doom running on an Anker Prime GaN fast-charger. This particular charger is a high-end model, featuring a 2.26-inch screen and a chip powerful enough to support the game. While the gaming experience isn’t exactly top-notch due to the small display, it’s still quite amusing to see a classic video game being played on a device typically used for charging.

    Specifications of the Charger

    According to Aaron, the Anker Prime charger includes a robust ARM SoC, the Synwit AWM34S, which operates at a much higher speed than the Intel i486 mentioned earlier and is equipped with 8 MB of SDRAM. The rotary dial on the left side of the charger can act as a controller, transforming the device into a somewhat unexciting gaming console.

    In terms of functionality, the Anker Prime charger may not be the ultimate Doom console, but it is still a solid charger. It offers a peak output of 250 watts and has six output ports. For those interested, it can be purchased on Amazon for $139.

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  • Real GTA 6 Police Car Auction: A Dream Come True for Fans

    Real GTA 6 Police Car Auction: A Dream Come True for Fans

    Key Takeaways

    1. A 2013 Chevrolet Caprice PPV, used as inspiration for GTA 6, will be auctioned in Englewood, Colorado.
    2. The vehicle features a 6.0-liter V8 engine, light bar, siren, and a custom license plate reading “SCAREDU.”
    3. Bidding begins online, with a live auction scheduled for August 23, 2025; current bids are around $4,250.
    4. The auction winner will pay a commission fee of 10-15% and a $40 title processing fee.
    5. Community reactions include humor and speculation about affluent collectors buying the vehicle as gaming memorabilia.

    A unique piece of gaming history is about to be sold in Englewood, Colorado. During the “Rodz and Bodz Movie Car Museum Auction,” a 2013 Chevrolet Caprice PPV will be auctioned off – the same car that Rockstar Games used while creating GTA 6. This vehicle was the direct inspiration for the famous police cars seen in Vice City within the game.

    Features of the Vehicle

    This car was not only digitally scanned for GTA 6; it also contributed to the game’s promotion. It features a powerful 6.0-liter V8 engine, a light bar, a siren, spotlights, and a custom license plate that says “SCAREDU.” It closely resembles the classic cruisers from the Vice City Police Department. Since it is not modeled after any actual police force, it is still street legal.

    Auction Details

    The auction will take place in two parts. Fans can start placing bids online through sites like bid.kraftauctions.com and Proxibid, with these initial bids setting the stage for the live auction happening on August 23, 2025. Currently, the bids have reached about $4,250 after 25 offers, starting with a mere $10. The person who wins will also need to pay a commission fee ranging from 10 to 15% and a $40 fee for title processing. They will need to arrange pickup or transport within days after the auction finishes.

    Community Reaction

    For fans and collectors, the Caprice is not just a vehicle – it’s a physical connection to one of the most awaited games of this generation. Since its first trailer release in December 2023, GTA 6 has reached remarkable achievements: the trailer has been watched more than 250 million times and received over a million comments. The second trailer, which came out in early May 2025, has only increased the hype around the game.

    In the gaming community, the auction is causing more laughter than true excitement. On Reddit, users are making jokes about the situation, with some guessing that the winning bid will come from a wealthy individual or influencer wanting to add a rare piece of gaming memorabilia to their collection.

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  • Final Fantasy Game May Launch on Nintendo Switch 2 Soon

    Final Fantasy Game May Launch on Nintendo Switch 2 Soon

    Key Takeaways

    1. The Nintendo Switch 2 initially had a weak game lineup but has seen recent new titles added.
    2. Naoki Yoshida expressed optimism about bringing Final Fantasy XIV and XVI to the Nintendo Switch 2 during Gamescom 2025.
    3. Yoshida highlighted the benefits of Final Fantasy XIV for players, particularly in crafting and resource gathering.
    4. He aims to attract new, younger players to the MMO genre through Final Fantasy XIV on the Switch 2.
    5. Discussions with Nintendo have taken place, and fans should stay tuned for official updates regarding Final Fantasy XIV’s availability.

    Although the initial game lineup for the Nintendo Switch 2 was lacking, there have been several new titles released recently. Additionally, a well-known game from the Final Fantasy series might soon be available on this console.

    Recent Insights from Gamescom 2025

    This update comes from Video Games Chronicle, which reported an interview with Naoki Yoshida at Gamescom 2025. He discussed the potential benefits that including some Final Fantasy games could offer on the Nintendo Switch 2. Yoshida expressed a sense of optimism and hinted that positive news might be coming soon.

    Yoshida’s Vision for Final Fantasy on Switch 2

    During the interview, he stated, “For me, it’s just my aim to provide Final Fantasy 14 and 16 to as many players as possible, and I hope that as many players as possible will be able to enjoy those two games. We are putting in our best efforts to ensure that this happens, so it’s fine to convey to your readership that I consider the possibilities very positively, and we are putting in our best efforts, so I hope players will look forward to possibilities in the future. But I just ask for a little bit more time.”

    Concerning Final Fantasy XIV arriving on the Nintendo Switch 2, Yoshida sees numerous advantages. He believes that this game would provide players with peaceful moments, like those involved in crafting or resource gathering. However, he also pointed out that raids would be more effective on a PC.

    Excitement for New Players

    He is particularly enthusiastic about attracting new players to this genre: “When it comes to players who haven’t played Final Fantasy 14 before, the younger generation of players, if they started playing Final Fantasy 14 on Switch 2, of course being an MMO, it might be a new genre for them, and I would be super excited to get these new players into this genre and enjoying the game as well.”

    In conclusion, Yoshida mentioned that he has already had discussions with Nintendo and that the outlook seems bright. Therefore, fans should remain patient and await official updates from the Japanese company to find out if Final Fantasy XIV will be available on this console.

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  • Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Delayed by GTA 6 Impact

    Hollow Knight: Silksong Release Delayed by GTA 6 Impact

    Key Takeaways

    1. Release Date Announcement: Hollow Knight: Silksong is set to release on September 4th, 2025, prompting competitors to adjust their launch schedules.

    2. Aeternum Game Studios’ Delay: Aeternum has postponed the release of their game, Aeterna Lucis, to 2026 due to the potential overshadowing by Silksong, acknowledging its influence on their titles.

    3. Development Improvements: Aeternum plans to use the extra time to enhance Aeterna Lucis, while facing challenges in porting to next-gen consoles due to slow authorization from Nintendo.

    4. Gameplay Differences: Both Aeterna Lucis and Silksong feature non-linear gameplay but will differ in environment variety and control difficulty, with Aeternum aiming to improve upon past issues.

    5. Impact of Major Titles: The release of big games like GTA 6 affects other titles’ sales, with EA and other publishers feeling relief from GTA 6’s delay, which is now set for May 2026.

    Hollow Knight: Silksong has been highly awaited at Gamescom 2025, especially after a recent announcement. The release date for Silksong is set for September 4th, causing at least one competitor to delay its launch. According to Twisted Voxel, Aeternum Game Studios has decided to push back the release of their Metroidvania title, Aeterna Lucis.

    Announcement from Aeternum

    The studio communicated with its community via social media. They openly acknowledged that Hollow Knight had a significant influence on Aeterna Lucis, as well as its earlier game, Aeterna Noctis, released in 2021. Initially, Aeternum planned to launch the new game in September, but with Hollow Knight: Silksong’s release on the horizon, they have moved their date to 2026. Given the popularity of Team Cherry’s game, it would likely overshadow Aeterna Lucis, which features a mix of platforming and combat.

    Utilizing Extra Time Wisely

    The development team is taking this extra time to make some improvements. Aeternum also noted that they do not possess the development kits necessary to port the PC version to all next-generation consoles. Reports suggest that Nintendo has been slow in granting authorization for tools to third-party developers, which could pose a challenge for a Switch 2 launch.

    Gameplay Comparisons

    While Aeterna Lucis and Silksong share similar non-linear gameplay styles, there are expected to be some differences between the two Metroidvania titles. Aeterna Noctis had a wider range of environments compared to Hollow Knight, although Team Cherry has expanded the world for Silksong. However, players often found Aeterna Noctis to be quite difficult due to its frustrating controls. Aeternum aims to fix these issues in their sequel.

    Competition from Big Titles

    GTA 6 serves as a clear example of a major title affecting its rivals. EA, among other publishers, is relieved by the delay of GTA 6’s release date to May 2026. With the game likely to take over sales, even the well-liked Battlefield 6 is at risk of losing revenue. After finishing the second open beta, the shooter is set to be released on October 10th.

    The information was shared via Twisted Voxel and Aeternum Game Studios’ X account, as well as on Metacritic.

     

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